The 26-page "conceptual proposal" that Senate Democrats released Thursday follows the bipartisan framework outlined by Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., last month. Here is a summary of its major provisions:

· During court proceedings, apply minimum detention standards that include making arrangements for the children of the detainee.

Employment Verification

· Direct the Social Security Administration to begin issuing fraud-resistant biometric Social Security cards within 18 months of enactment. The card would contain the individual's name, date of birth, Social Security number and unique biometric identifier.

· Require employers to use a new biometric enrollment system to verify work authorization.

· Increase fines for employers that knowingly hire or continue to employ workers not authorized for employment.

· Prohibit employers from deducting wages of unverified workers on their tax returns.

Path to Legalization

· Establish a broad-based registration program for all illegal immigrants living in the United States, allowing eligible individuals to earn legal status. For initial registration, the individual would have to pass criminal and security checks and pay all applicable fees and taxes. Eight years later, the individual could apply for lawful permanent resident status after paying all taxes and a fine; demonstrating basic citizenship skills, English-language skills and continuous residence in the U.S.; and passing updated criminal checks.

· Disqualify from the legalization program individuals who have been convicted of a crime or who pose a threat to national security.

Highly Skilled Workers

· Make a green card immediately available to foreign students who have advanced degrees from a United States institution in science, technology, engineering or mathematics if they possess an offer of employment in their field.

· Permit foreign students to enter the U.S. with immigrant intent if they pursue a full course of study at an institution of higher education in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.